"And David inquired of the Lord." 2Samuel 5:23

When David made this inquiry he had just fought the Philistines, and gained a striking victory. The Philistines came up in great hosts, but, by the help of God, David had easily put them to flight. Note, however, that when they came a second time, David did not go up to fight them without inquiring of the Lord.

Once he had been victorious, he might have said, as many have in other cases, "I shall be victorious again; I may rest quite sure that if this was the will of God the first time, it must assuredly be His will again. I have conquered once therefore I shall triumph again. Wherefore should I tarry to seek direction from the Lord again?" Not so with David. He had gained one battle by the strength of the Lord; he would not now venture upon another until he had assurance of the same.

David inquired, "Shall I go up against them?" 2SA 5:23 says, "And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines."

God gave a sign and David waited God's appointed time. 2SA 5:25 says, "And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer."

Learn from David not to take one step without God. Christian, if you would know the path of peace, take God for your compass; if you would steer your ship through the dark billows with perfect peace, put your trust in the Lord your God.

Our God tells us in ISA 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."

Many a rock might be escaped, if we would learn to trust our heavenly Father at the helm. We might well avoid many a shoal or quicksand if we would leave it to His sovereign will to choose and to command.

A Puritan said, "As sure as ever a Christian carves for himself, he'll cut his own fingers," this is a great truth. Another said, "He that goes before the cloud of God's providence goes on a fool's errand;" and so he does. We must mark God's providence in leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes.

As often as we run ahead of the Lord's providence, we will be very glad to run back again. PSA 32:8-9 says "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee."

See God's wonderful promise to His people in PRO 3:5-8, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."

Let us, then, take all our perplexities to Him, and say, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Do not leave your room in the morning without inquiring of the Lord, "What wilt thou have me to do this day"? 1PE 5:6-7 says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." Amen.